jbird68
Morrison, IL
Full Member
Joined: 04/26/2004
View Profile
 Offline
|
Do you tow with your water tank full or empty? We got a new PUP and it has a water holding tank. I was just wondering if you tow with water in it or fill it up at the campground.
Sincerely,
Jay
Camp Roster
1) DH - (39)
2) DW - (37)
3) DD #1 - (16)
4) DD #2 - (11)
5) DS - (3)
6) Toy Poodle - Hercules (10)
2003 Jayco Designer 12F5 Pop-Up
2006 Dodge Durango 4x4 Atlantic Blue 4.7L Next Generation
My Camper Mods
|
bonscott
Michigan
Senior Member
Joined: 05/02/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
I always fill up at the campground assuming potable water is available. Of course if there is a water hookup on site we don't of course. I don't want to tow the extra weight and kill my gas mileage any more then I have to. Besides, I'd never use the water in the tank for drinking unless I really had to. We always bring bottled water for drinking and use the water in the tank for cooking and washing up only anyway. I don't trust anyone's water for drinking unless I have to.
Scott
TV: 2004 Kia Sorento
Popup: 2004 Flagstaff (by Forest River) 227
|
Polishnurse
Schodack, NY
Senior Member
Joined: 03/13/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Depending where I'm going and how long it will be, I tend to keep a few gallons in the tank. For washing a few dishes, toilet use and what have you. Bill
|
oujoker
Monterey, CA
New Member
Joined: 05/13/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I generally try to not pull too much water (1 gal = 8.3 lbs). I usually just put a few gallons in so we can use toilet, sink, etc. Be sure to check your destination for potable water and carry an inline filter to keep dirt and other impurities out of your tanks and lines.
2007 Dutchman Express 31 Class C
2006 Centurion Elite V C4, Air Warrior
|
JCHKeys
Suffolk, VA
Full Member
Joined: 11/05/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
I won't pull with my 35 gallon tank full, just too much unneccessary weight. Most gas stations have hose hook-ups right there by the pumps. I will usually let the water flow for a couple of seconds first, then hook up my hose (and filter) and fill my tank just before I arrive at a dry campground. That works well IMHO.
JCH
New TV: 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 6.7L Cummins, 6 Speed Auto, No mods yet (but they are coming)
2008 Fleetwood Evolution E-4, Reese Round Bar Weight Distributing Hitch
Me and the Wife: Scuba Dive, Mountain Bike, Kayak, Hike
Two Dogs: Mako and Amber
|
|
|
weathershak
Delaware
Senior Member
Joined: 12/11/2006
View Profile
|
We usually fill up about 25% when traveling. You never know when you may need it. If you get stuck in traffic or a breakdown, it is nice to have some in reserve to use.
Don't like the view?? Then change it and Go Camping   
|
b2220128
29.72 North by 95.5 West
Senior Member
Joined: 03/03/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
When dry camping I usually carry a filled seven gallon Aquatainer from home as a precaution but fill the pop up water tank at the campground. I also fill the water heater at home so I don't lose the first six gallons I put in the tank. I don't truly boondock, so there is always water nearby. Using a filter will help the taste somewhat and keep any sediment out of your water system. I think the weight of the 25 or so gallons of water wouldn't affect mileage much, but it can add enough additional weight to the slim carrying capacity of pop ups to make the trailer overweight.
Tom
|
webiknight
Mesa, Arizona
Full Member
Joined: 04/14/2007
View Profile
|
We only boondock so I always leave with a full tank 42 gallons, in addition to at least 20 gallons in containers in the truck.
2006 Starcraft 36RT
1999 Chevy 2500 Crew Cab 7.4L
2002 Yamaha Grizzly
2003 Yamaha Kodiak
2005 SunL 150
2008 Coolster 125cc
2008 Coolster 70cc
2005 SunL 90
Check out the pics
Check out the MODs
The Right to Bear Arms --- AFFIRMED 
|
festus_
Carol Stream, IL
Senior Member
Joined: 07/14/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
When I used to have a popup ( towed behind an astro ) I would generally tow with water and found it towed better that way. I suspect it was just a weight distribution ( tounge weight ) nuance.
Since moving on from the popup I have arrived at campgrounds before ( off season ) to find water spigots inoperable etc. enough times to decide that I will always arrive with my water full.
'05 Wildwood 25EX
'03 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi SLT QC SB 4x2
|
PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
Senior Member
Joined: 03/19/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
I always leave home full of fresh water.
On rare occasions I have arrived at the campground late on a Friday night and found signs posted that they either have no water at all or is is not potable. I have had this happen at forest service campgrounds and county parks.
It is a rare event that is easy to prevent. Old Boy Scouts are prepared.
My trailer weighs 4200 pounds wet and loaded. If I tow it dry it will save about 400 pounds. This is not enough to impact my fuel economy by a noticeable amount.
I never camp where there are hookups. At best there is a water spigot every four camp sites along the loop.
I have never gotten sick drinking my city water. I do not have the same level of confidence for the water from a random faucet along the way or at the destination.
After 4 days I will run out. Then, and only then, will I use the local water.
A full tank of water and an empty tank of water will not slosh while towing. A partial tank of water *MIGHT* slosh around while towing, changing towing characteristics, which *MAY* not be pleasant.
Wayne in San Jose
TV1:2002 Chevy 1500HD 4wd Crew Cab,Valley Odyssey brake ctlr,McKesh mirrors
TV2:2008 GMC 2500HD long bed 4wd Crew Cab,GMC brake ctlr,GMC mirrors
TT:Trailmanor 2720
Honda 2000
Yamaha WR250R,Polaris Sportsman 700 X2,Polaris Scrambler 500
|
|
|
